2009 Budget naked test: Which would you buy?

Published: 09 February 2009 Updated: 19 November 2014

The budget naked class has never looked so good

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In this week’s issue of MCN the latest budget naked bikes are put to the test in a road trip to Ramsgate. See how the Kawasaki ER-6n compares to the Suzuki Gladius, Yamaha XJ6 and Ducati Monster 696.

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The question is, which bike will come out on top? What factors are most important for buyers when purchasing a budget naked? See below for more details on each of these models and have your say – either by casting your vote in our online poll or by leaving your comment at the bottom of this article.

Ducati Monster 696
The new monster is more comfortable than the old model, makes 67bhp and has a friendly feather-light clutch. It also has powerful yet progressive Brembo brakes – but the competition is a lot cheaper.

Kawasaki ER-6n
The ER-6n is great value for money. It’s fun, easy to ride and looks more classy this year. Even though the frame and suspension (improved for 2009) are basic they do the job well.

Yamaha XJ6
The XJ6 is the same sepc as the new Diversion, but MCN Road Tester Michael Neeves claims the lack of fairing tranforms this bike from sensible middleweight to mini streetfighter.

Suzuki Gladius
As the successor to the SV650, the Gladius has a lot to live up to. Thankfully the Gladius is fast enough to be fun, handles better than it should for the money and remains as practical as it’s predecessor.

Have your say in our online poll:

What do you think is the best 2009 budget naked middleweight? ( surveys)

By James Keen

The budget naked class has never looked so good